Mastermind Connectis a new Brooklyn-Based men’s resource group which aims to “enrich the lives of its members and their respective communities by connecting through ideas, camaraderie, and social good, on an inclusive platform.” On Saturday, May 20, 2017, the group launched a Young Masterminds initiative which focuses on life skills development of NYC’s young men between the ages of 13 and 18. The event was hosted by the Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and curated in conjunction with the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services. The day’s activities consisted of workshops and panel discussions with topics that range from health and fitness to personal digital branding and style. Hosting up to 75 young men from five different middle schools in the area, Mastermind Connect members conducted various personal development workshops. Founder Michael McConnell led the panel discussion, which asked the question “What does it mean to be a man in the 20th Century?”

“It’s imperative that our members give back to their communities and we make it a mandatory part of the membership,” declared Michael McConnell, Founder of Mastermind Connect. “Our core beliefs are Resources, Reciprocity, and Respect, which is what we provided on May 20th to these young men. The day was fun and informative!”

According to co-founder Vernon Jones, ”Throughout the five boroughs, Black and Latino young men have a poverty rate that is 50 percent higher than their counterparts. Unemployment is also 60 percent higher, and they are twice as likely not to graduate from high school. Mastermind Connect is here to change those statistics for the better, with the intent of inspiring thousands of NYC’s young men to achieve greatness.”

To learn more about Mastermind Connect and the Young Masterminds Initiative, visit Mastermindconnect.comor send an email to info@mastermind.club.

About Mastermind Connect: Mastermind Connect is a men’s group that aims to enrich the lives of its members and their respective communities by connecting through ideas, camaraderie, and social good, on an inclusive platform. The three principles of Mastermind Connect are Resources, Reciprocity, and Respect.